Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud To Throw At NFL Combine, Alabama's Bryce Young To Wait

C.J. Stroud could boost his draft stock with a showing at Lucas Oil Stadium.

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the next crop of NFL talent looks to make their mark at the league's scouting combine, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud might have just taken the lead for the title of QB1.

Stroud is expected to participate in all drills, including throwing, during the pre-workout process at Lucas Oil Stadium. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young will wait to throw at his Pro Day in Tuscaloosa on March 23.

Young, the presumed top gunslinger in the class, is still recovering from an AC joint injury suffered during the regular season. The 2021 Heisman winner will attend all events in Indianapolis throughout the week and is expected to meet with teams for pre-draft interviews.

As for Stroud, the verdict is out on where he will land at the next level. Considered by many as the second-rated quarterback in the class, any chance to gain ground on Young is essential en route to becoming one of the top selections on April 27.

Quarterbacks are often viewed as the prized selection on draft night, with teams moving up the board to select their future franchise signal-caller. Last season, only Pitt's Kenny Pickett was selected in the first round, returning to his old stomping grounds as the Pittsburgh Steelers' first selection at No. 20.

That won't be the case in 2023 as four quarterbacks are projected to be selected within the first 32 picks. Young and Stroud highlight this year's group of signal-callers, while Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson have also garnered first-round buzz.

"I have it Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Levis, Richardson," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said on a press phone call last week. "But, again, if you know who you have developing these guys and you have a plan in place, I think it's very close when you look at how those guys stack up. For me it's Bryce, a gap, and then those other three guys. I think it's, however, they fit you, what plan you have in place, and how you want to use them."

Stroud isn't the only quarterback looking to elevate his status for draft day. Richardson, who started one season for the Gators, will also throw at the combine in hopes of solidifying his status as a top-10 selection.

One of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects, Richardson has been compared to Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen due to his potential. Last season at Florida, the sophomore threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

As for Stroud, scouts believe he is the "safest" prospect among passers due to his consistency and precision. A two-year starter for the Buckeyes, Stroud led all FBS quarterbacks last season in passer rating (177.6) and finished second in passing touchdowns (41) behind USC quarterback and eventual Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

Stroud made headlines during the Buckeyes' College Football Playoff semifinal game against Georgia. After being considered a "scripted passer," the 6-3, 220-pounder threw for 348 yards, four touchdowns and rushed for 32 yards in a 42-41 loss in the Peach Bowl.

"The big question with him that's been talked about is, 'OK, not a lot of off-schedule, not a lot of playmaking.' Then all of a sudden, you see the CFB playoff semifinal game (against Georgia), and you're like, 'Dude, where's this been?'" Jeremiah said of Stroud. "He showed you he has that ability. The old scouting adage is: If you can do it once, you can do it. So you know he does have that ability."

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